A marijuana growing operation worth $1.5 million was discovered near Sealy Aug. 29 after sources reported it to the Austin County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies obtained a search warrant for the area near Grubbs Road and Peters San Felipe Road and found nearly 13,000 pot plants growing on the site, along with evidence that suspects had been living and working on the site, according to a press release.

"It looks like this was a grow for a summer crop," Sheriff Jack Brandes said in the release.

Sealy Police, Bellville Police, DPS Highway Patrol, DPS Narcotics, Texas Game Wardens, Austin County Road & Bridge personnel, and the Austin County Commissioners were all on hand to destroy an intricate irrigation system on the site and remove the plants from the premises. The plants are currently in ACSO custody being held as evidence.

According to ACSO, the value of the marijuana is said to be nearly $1.5 million, with criminal charges pending.

"The investigation is ongoing and we are pursuing charges," said Brandes.